Abel Oonnoonny brings more than two decades of financial expertise to every endeavor he pursues, and his professional discipline mirrors the focused attention that live performance demands. As founder and president of Eagle’s Crest Advisors in New York City, he oversees retirement, estate, and tax planning for individuals and companies alike. His career includes senior consulting roles at Charles Schwab, where he managed a client portfolio that grew from $100 million to $3 billion in assets and earned him recognition in the top 5 percent of financial consultants nationwide for five separate years. Earlier experience at Fidelity Investments in The Villages, Florida, included branch management and associate training responsibilities. A Boston University graduate who holds multiple FINRA licenses, Abel Oonnoonny has shared financial commentary on Fox New York, WCBS 880 AM, and CNBC.
Opera blends theater, design, and music into an intense emotional spectacle that is welcoming to modern audiences. While some perceived this art form as an elite-only pastime, it is a storytelling medium meant for anyone who enjoys drama and passion. Newcomers may fear unspoken rules, but guidelines exist, ensuring a respectful, shared environment instead of creating barriers. Ultimately, the goal is to listen and connect with the performance.
Preparation and attire help set the stage. Attending a performance requires attention to comfort and preparation. While opening nights traditionally feature formal attire such as tuxedos and gowns, some venues may welcome a relaxed dress code, including business casual or jeans. The general guideline is dressing comfortably and respectfully, comparable to dining at a quality restaurant.
Beyond the wardrobe, audiences should eat beforehand, since performances often extend several hours and hunger-related sounds may be distracting. Avoiding foods like beans, onions, and garlic helps prevent digestive noises. Additionally, reviewing a plot summary or familiarizing oneself with the music beforehand significantly improves comprehension, serving as valuable preparation for the narratives that will unfold onstage.
Opera requires strict punctuality to maintain performance integrity. Accordingly, audiences should arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for coat check and seating before the music starts. Once the lights dim and doors close, ushers seat latecomers during intermissions or designated pauses. Late arrivals watch via lobby monitors, diminishing the live experience. Arriving early provides an opportunity for pre-performance lectures or enjoying the overture unhurried, enhancing overall appreciation and ensuring full participation in the performance.
Importantly, silence and stillness create a respectful atmosphere. Opera venues require complete silence due to unamplified voices and acoustic sensitivity. Individuals should silence or turn off electronic devices, as vibrations and screen glow may distract others. Audiences must also avoid whispering, humming, or rhythmic tapping, as these disrupt neighboring patrons and performers.
If one must carry essentials like cough drops, they should be unwrapped before music begins, preventing distracting paper sounds. Additionally, attendees must remain still, remove obstructive elements like large hats, and avoid leaning forward, as it may obstruct views for those seated behind. These courtesies ensure optimal conditions for vocal projection and audience enjoyment.
Engaging with the art, specifically regarding language and applause, is equally important. Language barriers are not a concern, since theatres have supertitles – translations projected above the stage – that enable audiences to follow narrative dialogue seamlessly throughout performances. Regarding appropriate audience reactions, applause is generally welcome after overtures, at act conclusions, and following impressive vocal solos known as arias.
However, certain works, like those by German composer Richard Wagner, prioritize uninterrupted musical continuity, making silence appropriate until performances end completely. When uncertain about timing, one should follow experienced patrons’ lead before clapping. For those wishing to shout vocal approval, specific terms apply: “Bravo” addresses male singers, “Brava” applies to female performers, and “Bravi” addresses the entire group. While booing is discouraged, enthusiastic cheering communicates appreciation for artists’ athletic efforts and exceptional skill.
The performance experience continues through the final bow, so audience members should remain seated until the house lights rise. Rushing to the exit during the applause is considered rude and denies the performers their well-earned recognition. The curtain call serves as the appropriate moment to stand, cheer energetically, and honor the cast’s hard work. Failing to do so creates a negative impression, akin to eating dinner at a friend’s home without saying thank you.
About Abel Oonnoonny
Abel Oonnoonny is the founder and president of Eagle’s Crest Advisors, a firm specializing in retirement, estate, and tax planning for individuals and businesses. His financial career spans more than two decades, including leadership roles at Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments. Recognized in the top 5 percent of Charles Schwab’s consultants nationally, he holds a degree from Boston University and maintains Series 63, 66, 7, 9, and 10 licenses. He has offered financial commentary on Fox New York, WCBS 880 AM, and CNBC.
